Strategies to support the appropriate use of prescription opioids: a systematic review
Reasons for the study
Abuse of prescription opioids is a serious public health and safety problem in North America. At the time of this project, there had been no collection, analysis and synthesis of strategies aimed at improving the appropriate use of prescription opioids and reducing misuse, abuse, addiction and opioid-related deaths. This information was desperately needed to stem the current opioid crisis. This comprehensive systematic review of the research literature helped fill this void, thus helping prevent a duplication of efforts in the development of strategies to promote appropriate use of prescription opioids.
Objectives of the study
- To conduct a systematic review of existing strategies, frameworks, collaborative networks and materials to promote the appropriate use of prescription opioids and/or to reduce the abuse of these drugs
Related scientific publications
- Furlan AD, Carnide N, Irvin E, Van Eerd D, Munhall C, Kim J, Li CMF, Hamad A, Mahood Q, Macdonald S. A systematic review of strategies to improve appropriate use of opioids and to reduce opioid use disorder and deaths from prescription opioids. Canadian Journal of Pain. 2018;2(1):218-235. doi:10.1080/24740527.2018.1479842. (Open access)
Related interviews and articles
- IWH review outlines promising strategies to prevent prescribed opioid abuse. At Work: Institute for Work & Health; No. 94, Fall 2018.
- New systematic review outlines promising strategies to prevent prescribed opioid abuse, overdoses. OOHNA Journal. October 16, 2018. Available from: https://www.iwh.on.ca/sites/iwh/files/oohna_journal_fw_2018_opioid.pdf
Project status
Completed 2017
Research team
Collaborators and partners
Canadian Centre for Substance Abuse
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
Health Canada
Ontario Provincial Police
Funded by
Canadian Institutes of Health Research